Willows Academy Photo - A school girls love, traditional values you can trust.

Best Des Plaines Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 private schools serving 1,189 students in Des Plaines, IL (there are 22 public schools, serving 8,701 public students). 12% of all K-12 students in Des Plaines, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The top-ranked private schools in Des Plaines, IL include Willows Academy, Plato Academy, and Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School.
The average acceptance rate is 75%, which is lower than the Illinois private school average acceptance rate of 85%.
50% of private schools in Des Plaines, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Baptist).

Top-Ranked Des Plaines Private Schools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School
(Greek Orthodox)
(1)
2350 E Dempster St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-5519
Gr: 1-8 | 115 students Tuition listed
Immanuel Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
832 Lee St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 390-0990
Gr: NS-8 | 74 students
Plato Academy
(2)
915 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 768-7188
Gr: PK-8 | 89 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed
Science & Arts Academy
Science & Arts Academy Photo
Special Program Emphasis
(5)
1825 Miner St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-7880
Gr: PK-8 | 260 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 14 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Willows Academy
Willows Academy Photo - Willows Academy..... you belong here!
All-girls (Catholic)
(3)
1015 Rose Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-6900
Gr: 6-12 | 240 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 22 Tuition listed
588 Dara James Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 298-3399
Gr: PK-12 | 90 students
Des Plaines KinderCare
Des Plaines KinderCare Photo - Des Plaines KinderCare Front
Daycare / Preschool
8650 W Ballard Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 803-9929
Gr: NS-PK | 65 students
Iccd Academy
(Islamic)
480 Potter Rd, 2nd Fl
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(224) 567-8256
Gr: PK-5 | 82 students
Kiddie Junction Educational Institute
Kiddie Junction Educational Institute Photo
Daycare / Preschool
1619 E Oakton Street
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 827-5415
Gr: PK-K | 113 students Avg. class size: 15 students
Northern Illinois Academy
Special Education School
1150 N River Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(630) 952-2208
Gr: 2-12 | 61 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Des Plaines, Illinois

Des Plaines, Illinois Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
1920 E Touhy Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 827-8203
Gr: PK-1 | 84 students
Joseph Academy (Closed 2025)
Special Education School
1101 Gregory St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 803-1930
Gr: 8-12 | 28 students
Maryville Jen School (Closed 2015)
Special Education School
1150 N River Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 390-3020
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students
555 Wilson Ln
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 768-5785
Gr: 7-12 | 25 students
567 W Algonquin Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 437-4022
Gr: PK-8 | 127 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed

Overview

This Town (Des Plaines)
This State (IL)
# Schools
10 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
1,189 Students
252,129 Students
% Average Students of Color
36%
34%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
139 Teachers
18,877 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
53%
Average Class Size
15 students
16 students
Average Number of AP Courses
13 courses
10 courses
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
25

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,225
$12,512
Average % on Financial Aid
46%
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,500
$3,872
Average Acceptance Rate
75%
85%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.66
0.66
# American Indian Students
3 Students
605 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
83 Students
10,504 Students
% Asian Students
7%
4%
# Hispanic Students
101 Students
25,130 Students
% Hispanic Students
8%
10%
# Black Students
46 Students
21,075 Students
% Black Students
4%
9%
# White Students
560 Students
129,117 Students
% White Students
45%
51%
# Hawaiian Students
2 Students
338 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
443 Students
65,550 Students
% of Others Students
36%
26%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
18 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
6 sports
6 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Des Plaines, IL?
The top-ranked private schools in Des Plaines, IL include Willows Academy, Plato Academy, and Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School.
How many private schools are located in Des Plaines?
10 private schools are located in Des Plaines.
How diverse are private schools in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines private schools are approximately 36% minority students, which is higher than the Illinois private school average of 34%.
What percentage of students in Des Plaines go to private school?
12% of all K-12 students in Des Plaines are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Des Plaines?
50% of private schools in Des Plaines are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Baptist).
Which private schools in Des Plaines are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Des Plaines include: Immanuel Lutheran School vs. Plato Academy

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.